Insider's Guide: Galleries & Visual Art

Southwest Florida is more than covered when it comes to art both fine and funky.

By Karen T. Bartlett, research by Mallory Schindler

“The arts on the Gulfshore are as vibrant as the Florida lifestyle we live (perhaps here on colorful, quirky Matlacha Island, a little more so). It is eclectic and engaging, and at the same time approachable and exciting. We have a vast diversity of galleries and an abundance of world-class exhibitions, monthly art strolls, public art tours and spontaneous happenings. I enjoy showcasing authentic Florida in a tropical, painterly way, from pop-up performances and random acts of art. Last Valentine’s Day I filled my basket with paints and bicycled to the Downtown Fort Myers Art Walk. All evening I painted hearts and gave them away. When I’m not in my own gallery, I’m exploring other wonderful galleries and admiring the art of others. My advice to visitors and locals: Add joy to your life—visit a gallery!”

DENNISON-MORAN GALLERY, 600 Fifth Ave. S., Suite 102, (239) 263-0590. A contemporary American craft gallery featuring the work of more than 150 artists and craftsmen, including the owners, painter Mary Moran and goldsmiths Kathleen and Robert Dennison. dennisonmorangallery.com

THE EMILY JAMES STUDIO & GALLERY, 780 Fifth Ave. S., (239) 777-3283. Portraits and paintings of landscapes, seascapes, European scenes and more by Emily James, a native Floridian. emilyjamesart.com

THE ENGLISHMAN FINE ART & ANTIQUES, 1190 Third St. S., (239) 649-8088. Features a collection of 19th and early 20th century European oil paintings and presents new modern and contemporary collections. theenglishmanusa.com

LEE COUNTY ALLIANCE FOR THE ARTS, 10091 McGregor Blvd., (239) 939-2787. Facilitates and nurtures the creation, development, promotion and education of arts and culture, striving to reach the widest possible audience while promoting area artists and arts organizations and advocating for increased arts programming and funding in Southwest Florida. artinlee.org